However, the home side weren't overawed by their opposition in these early stages, and nearly scored moments later when Tom Cleverley's cross caused havoc in the Arsenal box, but Clark's header failed to trouble Szczesny.

Nevertheless, Wenger's side broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, when midfielder Mesut Ozil was put clean through on goal courtesy of a Welbeck pass, leaving the German to score a relatively easy goal from 12 yards.